Cover of the Washington Post Express Today.

California thinks they have found a solution to their billion dollar budget deficit: legalizing pot. Yes, instead of cutting their budget and taking steps to boost their state economy, California lawmakers would rather jump the line straight to legalizing drugs. The subliminal message here is that legalizing marijuana has little to do with revenue problems, and more to do with the fact that pro-legalization Californians know they can mask legalization under the guise of an economy-saving program.

Let's take a look at the logic of their proposed plan. The initiative would allow all those over 21 years of age to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. California residents could also grow their own plants in gardens measuring up to 25 square feet. The proposal bans all users from using pot in public, around minors, in school zones, and while driving.

I want someone to explain to me how selling a drug that demotivates anyone from productive activity will benefit the economy. Proponents of the measure say it will save California $200 million a year by reducing public safety costs and generating tax revenue.

First of all, legalizing marijuana will not kill the illegal market for it. If the limit is one ounce, dealers will start selling two ounces. If California raises the taxes on it, consumers will go to dealers who sell it for cheaper. A huge black market will grow out of legalization. Not to mention the fact that it will give dealers of hard drugs a completely legitimate front for their business.

Second, California already has the most drug court programs in the nation and spends more money on drug rehab than anyone else. With legalization their problems will only get worse. If you increase the number of drug users, you will increase the number of drug abusers.

Third, how will this plan be enforced? Are police going to carry scales and measuring sticks around to tell what's more than one ounce and what's bigger than 25 square feet. This plan will be an enforcement nightmare. If drunk driving is one of the leading killers in the United States, who knows what destruction driving while high will do. Furthermore, if underage drinking is already a colossal problem, one can only expect underage consumption of pot to follow the same course.

I'm going to keep following this issue because it has popped up in other states as well and it's not going to die quietly. Washington D.C. is trying to legalize medicinal marijuana and Rhode Island is also considering legalizing consumption of pot for those 18-years-old and older. I'll post more of the numbers and facts to support my case, but just on its face, the argument for legalization will not help the economy or the welfare of the public.